Recess has a good reason for appearing regularly on our schedules, but perhaps there are some things that we can do to better redeem the time we spend away from our studies. “Redeeming Recess (Lower Grades)” was presented by...
Teachers are generally not the parents of the students, but it seems that often there is a need for some sort of discipline at school. Can we create a consistent, disciplined environment without taking the place of the parent?...
Teachers receive tremendous potential when given the awesome responsibility of a classroom of their own. Before too long however, exuberant ideals morph into real needs: information, inspiration, ideas, wisdom, and support. Where...
Wes Bauman stresses preparing for diverse roles like teaching, preaching, and defending faith through study and life experience. His key points are: Varied Roles: Prepare for teaching, ministry, and faith discussions, each...
The teacher is not the parent. The teacher is not the preacher. The teacher is the teacher though, and perhaps sometimes we will need to mentor. Mentoring students who struggle in school or in life can be a challenge. "The...
The teacher needs to know what he is going to teach. How does the teacher know when he has enough? Jonathan Erb emphasizes the critical role of thorough readiness in delivering effective and efficient classes. He addresses:...
God has created us with uniquely different processing abilities for His honor and glory. Recognizing and accepting these can help us better understand ourselves and our students. “Why Some Children Learn Differently” was...
We must be flexible and creative when it comes to helping every student experience success and accomplishment in school. Sometimes we should step out of the set classroom routines to meet the needs of those that process...
Jonah Avina uses a fishing analogy to teach three steps for effective presentations: Bait (Introduction): Grab students' attention with engaging methods. Bite (Explanation): Maintain attention with clear, relevant explanations....
Memorization...It’s that pesky thing that is somewhat easy to avoid in an era of internet-connected devices. Does memorization have any value these days? Yes, indeed. Here are some ideas on how to have successful memorization for...
How can we maximize the potential that a science textbook can bring to our classroom? We need a textbook, but is it possible to get too much involved in a textbook to the point that our students become bored even if there are...
Come explore the importance of evaluating and pursuing remediation. We need to execute remediation that will address the specific issues that block the doorway of academic success. “Remediation and Techniques” was presented by...
There are principles of perseverance that perhaps we need to review occasionally. What are some overarching principles that can keep you going when your hands hang down? “Continuing the Journey” was presented by Conrad Smucker at...
In this session, Jonathan Erb identifies four common challenges for novice teachers: Faulty self-concept (e.g., over-apologizing, perfectionism) Ignorance of technique (e.g., poor lesson sequencing, vague questions) Poor planning...
As a teacher, you need to lead out in the classroom. How can I gently lead the forward thinking student to do it someone else’s way? My authority is to be respected, but how do I earn that respect and lead with humility and...
Come here to explore the interweaving of relationships among parents, board, and parents. Who is the teacher accountable to? What should I do when a peeved parent or school board member has some things to help me in my teaching...
Is God to be seen in science anywhere? Do we have to fit God into science or does science fit into God? Does God have a grudge against science or does science have a grudge against God? Come explore the scientific realm from a...
I have heard a lot of good things at a teachers’ institute. Now, it’s time to get in gear and do it all, right? Not so fast. Becoming a better teacher takes time and experience and often comes with hard knocks to soften my heart....
If procrastination were a disease, many of us are certainly infected. Is there a difference between procrastination and reasonable delay? It is not always wrong to put a disliked task off to another time, but we will take a look...
Jonathan Erb provides an overview of the book "The Seven Laws of Teaching" by John Milton Gregory, emphasizing its practical, enduring principles for effective teaching. He discusses the book's history and its core premise that...